What will happen to the brain if you stop reading books: three consequences that will horrify

In today's digital world, reading books seems to be a dying habit for many people. According to a survey by Info Sapiens, in 2023, only 17% of Ukrainians read books every day.

The Why the Book Wins portal is convinced that various digital platforms are losing out to books and cannot completely replace them, and the refusal to read threatens people with negative consequences.

What can happen if you don't read books

1. Mental stagnation.

Quality literature, both fiction and nonfiction, opens up new ideas, views, and knowledge for the reader. When we stop recognizing new things and limit ourselves to the "set" we already have, it leads to mental stagnation.

Reading develops vocabulary, which helps a person communicate and is also a workout for the brain.

2. Increased stress and mental health problems.

Psychological experts say that reading books can be considered a therapeutic activity; it reduces stress and promotes mental well-being. If you include reading in your daily routine, a person learns to be organized, which helps reduce anxiety.

Many book lovers will agree that time spent with a good book "switches" the brain, helps to avoid the pressure of everyday life, and allows you to relax and unwind.

3. Limited imagination and empathy.

A good book should evoke emotions in the reader, and they can be both positive and negative. For example, you can sincerely hate an evil character, worry about events fictionalized by the author, or simply empathize with the main character. Books allow people to gain additional emotional experience and help develop empathy.

Without reading, our imagination can become limited, and our ability to empathize with others can deteriorate.

As OBOZ.UA previously wrote, the influential American magazine Time has compiled a list of the 100 best books of 2023. The list does not include any Ukrainian publications, but there is a work about Russia.

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